Pierce Brosnan pleads guilty in Yellowstone case, admits he stepped off trail in national park thermal area
Pierce Brosnan ventured into an off-limits section of Yellowstone Park in November
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Pierce Brosnan pleaded guilty Thursday to stepping off a trail in a thermal area during a visit to Yellowstone National Park on Nov. 1, 2023.
According to The Associated Press, Pierce phoned into the court hearing to enter his plea and hear his fines.
The actor was fined $500 and instructed to make a $1,000 donation to Yellowstone Forever, a nonprofit organization created to support the national park, by April 1.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Pierce Brosnan pleaded guilty Thursday to stepping off a trail in a thermal area during a visit to Yellowstone National Park on Nov. 1, 2023. (Getty Images)
Brosnan's petty offense for violating closures and use limits was dismissed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick on Thursday.
PIERCE BROSNAN HEADING TO COURT AFTER ‘VIOLATING CLOSURES’ AT YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Brosnan took to Instagram after his guilty plea to share that he considers himself an "environmentalist" who has the "utmost respect for and love of our natural world."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"However, I made an impulsive mistake - one that I do not take lightly - when entering a thermal area covered in snow in Yellowstone National Park to take a photograph," Brosnan added. "I did not see a ‘No Trespassing’ sign posted that warned of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area."
The actor shared his apologies for "trespassing in this sensitive area."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy. #StayOnThePath," Brosnan concluded his message.
Prior to Brosnan's guilty plea, the actor's attorney appeared in court on his behalf on Jan. 4 to enter a not guilty plea.
His attorney filed a waiver of appearance at arraignment and requested a trial. On Jan. 10, a notice was posted vacating Brosnan's originally scheduled Jan. 23 hearing.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In January, Brosnan pleaded not guilty. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Brosnan, 70, was cited for "foot travel in all thermal areas and w/in Yellowstone Canyon confined to trails" and "violating closures and use limits," according to the U.S. District Court of Wyoming docket.
Brosnan's citations, which were listed as petty offenses, were issued to the "Mrs. Doubtfire" actor on Nov. 1 but not filed in court until Dec. 26, Fox News Digital previously confirmed.
Brosnan visited Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming on Nov. 1, 2023. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The rules for Yellowstone National Park's thermal areas include, "Do not travel through thermal areas after dark."
They additionally state that "stock are not permitted in thermal areas," "altering or putting objects in thermal features is prohibited" and "swimming, soaking or bathing in waters that are entirely of thermal origin is prohibited."
Yellowstone National Park features over 500 active geysers.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Brosnan was fined $500 and instructed to make a $1,000 donation to Yellowstone Forever, a nonprofit organization created to support the national park, by April 1. (Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage)
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"In thermal areas, the ground may be only a thin crust above boiling hot springs, and there is no way to guess where a safe path is," the park's website states.
"New hazards can bubble up overnight, and pools are acidic enough to burn through boots, so you must stay in designated walking areas. The park service has established boardwalks for an easy and safe approach to thermal features."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A recent incident illustrates just how dangerous the park's thermal areas can be.
Brosnan's petty offense for violating closures and use limits was dismissed in court Thursday. (Getty Images)
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Federal prosecutors charged a Michigan man with off-trail travel in a Yellowstone National Park thermal area and being under the influence of drugs and alcohol after he sustained thermal burns in August. He has been banned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks until the criminal charges are resolved, according to a press release.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.